The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

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A stark contrast to the often romanticized India, The White Tiger is an oddly compelling narrative that examines the layers of corruption in the "real India" starring an equally flawed protagonist. Entrepreneur and one time murdered Balram Halwai divulges how he came to leave the heart of India, or The Darkness as the author calls it, to become a driver for a wealthy family and eventually escape his servitude-driven life.

After being immersed in Balram's story for a time I'd anticipated growing fond of his character, however crooked his thoughts and actions were, but I faltered through the book without feeling compassion for a single character. I chuckled a few times at it's repetitive dark humor and while I enjoyed the poignancy of Adiga's criticisms at times I wasn't as impressed with the social commentary as I'd originally hoped to be. Having heard my mom recount her experiences in India, as well as a close friend's trip, I was already aware of the immense social gap and seedy underbelly of India's culture and government. Picking up this book I assumed the author's perspective would increase my understanding of this phenomenon but, sadly, it wasn't the case.

Not without bumps and slow moments in the plot The White Tiger was an interesting enough glimpse into modern day India. And after feeling like my entertainment scale could tip either way I ultimately decided what I did enjoy of this story outweighed my disappointment for what it lacked. 3/5 stars